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Travelling with medicines and medical devices

Did you know that restrictions apply to medicines and medical devices when you're leaving or coming into Australia, and that different restrictions may apply in other countries?

Watch this video to find out:

what you need to do when preparing for your trip, including things you should discuss with your doctor

what to do when going through border control

exemptions and requirements that may apply when coming into Australia.

Transcript

Show transcript for this video

Travelling with medicines and medical devices

Are you planning to travel with medicines and medical devices?

Don't end up with an unpleasant surprise.

You need to know about the rules and requirements that apply to travellers.

Why do you need to be careful about travelling with medicines and medical devices?

Australia has regulations about carrying medicines and medical devices for your own use in and out of the country.

Taking medicines and medical devices out of Australia

Different countries have different laws about what can be taken in and out.

Check that the medicine or medical device is allowed in the destination country. You can do this by consulting the country's Consulate or Embassy

Some medicines that are legally available in Australia are not allowed in other countries

Some medicines cannot be carried into certain countries without a permit even though they can be legally used there

You may need to apply for customs clearance for some medicines

If your medication is illegal at your destination, ask your doctor about alternatives

Be aware that restrictions may also apply to complementary medicines.

Do you want to take vitamins or supplements on your trip?

In Australia, Vitamin D may be available at the supermarket, only from a pharmacy or only on prescription, depending on how large the dosage is.

There may also be differences in other countries and you need to know what applies to your medication.

Talk to your doctor

If you need prescription or over-the-counter medicine while you're travelling:

Check what medication you need

Normally prescriptions from Australia cannot be filled overseas

Some over-the-counter medicines may not be available elsewhere

Don't forget to mention to your doctor any complementary medicines you may be taking

Make sure you have sufficient quantity of your medication

Be aware

it is illegal to take some medicines (such as Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme medicines) out of Australia if they are not for your use or for the use of the person travelling with you.

Carry a letter

When travelling overseas with medicines and medical devices, it is a good idea to have accompanying documentation from your doctor. If you are carrying complementary medicines, ask your doctor to include these in the letter.

Where possible it is best to take a letter and your prescription.

You can find a sample letter on the Australian Government's Travel Secure website.

Keep medicines and medical devices in their original packaging

Doing this whenever possible makes the products easy for customs officials to identify.

Carry medicine and medical devices in your hand luggage

Medicines are exempt from the 100ml limit on liquids, aerosols and gels.

Note: Hypodermic needles are prohibited unless it is medically necessary for you to carry them.

They should be accompanied with proof that you require them and be kept (in your hand luggage) with the medication they will be used to administer.

Bringing medicines and medical devices into Australia

Australia has some programs in place to assist you when coming into the country with medicines and medical devices.

Your medicine or device may be covered by the Traveller's exemption or

You may belong in a special category.

If you do not fit under one of these groups you may need an import permit.

The Traveller's exemption

The travellers exemption allows you to bring certain prescribed medicines and medical devices into the country without needing special permission.

A final message from the TGA

Be careful about buying medicines and medical devices overseas.

Medicines and devices from overseas may not have been approved for sale in Australia. There is no guarantee they meet the same standards of quality, safety and efficacy as products approved for supply by us, the TGA.

Useful links

Disclaimer

These educational materials are provided by the TGA (a part of the Department of Health) solely for the purpose of providing general education on the TGA regulatory scheme. The materials should not be taken to be a detailed description of the scheme, or advice on the application of the therapeutic goods legislation in particular cases. Nor should they be taken to be statements of policy.

People requiring information or advice on the application of the therapeutic goods legislation in particular cases should make their own enquiries.

Whilst due care has been taken in their preparation, the Department of Health cannot guarantee, and assumes no legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, currency or completeness of the information contained in these materials.